# How to Permanently Block Spam Calls on iPhone Eliminate spam calls for good with iOS 26's call screening feature. - **Source:** [CNET](https://brifing.si/source/ce507de7-7f24-4ff4-ab6d-7635abcc095a) - **Published:** 2026-07-19 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e16545c6-4d8c-4a03-9a63-8d0eb2a2e83c ## The Problem with Spam Calls Spam calls become particularly troublesome when you need to keep your ringer on for emergencies. They cause significant stress for parents with sleeping babies or professionals in important meetings. iOS 26's call screening feature offers a permanent solution to this widespread annoyance, working like a digital Hoover Dam against unwanted calls. ## What is Call Screening? The call screening feature in iOS 26 automatically filters calls from unknown numbers. Since it doesn't require Apple Intelligence, it works on all iOS 26-compatible devices like iPhone 14 Pro. Early beta testers report the system effectively blocks spam calls with remarkable consistency, providing uninterrupted peace of mind. ## How to Enable It To activate call screening, first go to Settings, then select Phone under Apps. Under 'Screen Unknown Callers' you'll find three options: Never, Ask Reason for Calling, and Silence. Each option offers different levels of filtering to suit various user needs and preferences. ## Choosing the Best Option For most users, 'Ask Reason for Calling' provides the ideal balance. In this mode, your iPhone queries unknown callers about their purpose before ringing. You receive a transcript of their responses to decide whether to answer. This prevents spam while ensuring you don't miss important calls from new contacts. ## Understanding Other Options The 'Never' option maintains standard calling behavior, while 'Silence' sends all unknown numbers directly to voicemail. Healthcare providers recommend 'Ask Reason for Calling' as the safest choice to avoid missing critical calls like medical results. Users can change these settings anytime as their needs evolve. ## A Permanent Solution iOS 26's call screening feature offers iPhone users complete relief from spam calls. It's particularly valuable for those who prefer keeping their phones silent. Now you can block unwanted disturbances without fear of missing important communications, marking a significant quality-of-life improvement for mobile users. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/this-iphone-trick-can-eliminate-spam-calls-for-good/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._